Onarga, IL. (ECWd) –
Kirk Allen and the Edgar County Watchdogs, Inc. have filed suit in Iroquois County Circuit Court alleging that the Village of Onarga has violated the Freedom of Information Act by failing to provide all the public records requested.
On Dec 22, 2019, Kirk Allen asked for copies of all communications between the Onarga Police Chief, police officers, and members of the Onarga Village Board, Clerk, and Mayor, between Sep and Dec 2019.
The Village initially never responded, but eventually produced two largely unresponsive documents (meeting minutes) to Plaintiff on Feb 24, 2020, and claimed it did not have to produce text messages.
In its claim that it does not have to produce text messages, the Village stated in an email that the Iroquois County State’s Attorney, Jim Devine, informed them the Village did not have to produce any text messges.
Text messages are public record if they pertain to public business and we are certain the Court will rule in our favor.
Read the Complaint below or download it HERE.
Onarga Complaint.
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4 Comments
Dave
Posted at 07:47h, 28 AprilTypo: “On Dec 22, 2029, Kirk Allen asked for copies “
jmkraft
Posted at 07:50h, 28 Aprilthx
Doris Hubner
Posted at 12:16h, 28 AprilSmall governments just don’t get it…I’m surprised that the attorney advised them that way…if anyone should know he should understand FOIA – Hillary had to give up her emails but tried to destroy all of them first.
watchdog supporter
Posted at 05:46h, 02 MayLaws and rules are for everyone else to follow except for Government employees and elected officials who do what they want regardless of the laws and rules. And who pays the costs of this criminal behavior, TAXPAYERS pay all costs, no accountability or personal cost for breaking the law
by any government employee or elected official. TAXPAYERS ARE ALWAYS ON THE HOOK!